LSU uncertain about two defensive starters' health vs. Vanderbilt

LSU got some unfortunate news on Wednesday night with the release of the initial injury report for its game against Vanderbilt. A week after the offense decorated the injury report, it’s now the Tigers’ defense that is battered and bruised as they get ready to take on a physical Commodores offense on Saturday afternoon in Nashville.
Here are the three injuries to watch for this week, per the official injury report.
LB Whit Weeks — Questionable
Brian Kelly said LSU LB Whit Weeks was sore after being banged up all year, but seemed like he was going to be fine to play in this game. That’s what makes the questionable designation a bit alarming. We know Weeks had surgery on his foot over the offseason, so I’m sure there are a lot of things going on right now, but he’s considered one of the toughest guys on the roster so the hope is he can play.
DE Jimari Butler — Questionable
Butler left the game against South Carolina and did not return. His status is in question despite Kelly indicating he was trending towards playing earlier this week.
“Has an ankle injury, lateral, though, not a high ankle sprain,” Kelly said on Monday. “I would say he’s probable, if we were to put out a report. We’ve gotten good news on him.”
DT Bernard Gooden — Doubtful
Gooden is battling a bruised collar bone and after some optimism, it now seems like the Tigers’ starting defensive tackle could be sidelined for this game on Saturday. It would be a blow, but LSU still has plenty of talent at defensive tackle to shore up the interior.
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“He has a bruised collar bone,” Kelly said on Monday. “He’s very sore right now, but no break, so this is a short time thing and something where he’ll have to manage the pain throughout the week.”
LSU’s Monday injury updates
WR Aaron Anderson: “His knee is not 100%, but he’s practicing this week. He’s a guy who needs to play fast and free, and he wasn’t in that mindset last week. We expect him to do a nice job for us.”
RB Caden Durham: “Had a hip pointer, which was mild, but effected him a little bit, but he’ll be fine.”
OL Braelin Moore: “Had a stinger, but under control. We took an MRI and it looked good.”
OL Paul Mubenga: “He is making progress and we expect him to be available this week.”
QB Garrett Nussmeier: “Had a slight ankle sprain, not a high ankle sprain. We feel like he’ll be fine.”
The offense seems like it’s getting more healthy. Nussmeier had his best passing game of the year, while the return of Aaron Anderson is substantial on the perimeter. We’ll see how the offensive line takes shape this week as well.